End Frame Pin Cooling in Electric Machine Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric machine assemblies inadequately cool components within the housing immediately downstream of the end frame due to insufficient airflow, as cooling airflow is typically channeled only along the exterior of the assembly housing and radially outward.
Innovation Solution
The electric machine assembly includes an end frame with axially extending pins arranged in concentric circles and a fan coupled to the shaft, which rotates to facilitate cooling these pins, and an internal fan positioned within the second compartment to recirculate cooling airflow and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling airflow is channeled only along the exterior of the assembly housing, then the housing exterior is cooled, but the end frame and internal components downstream of the end frame are insufficiently cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into multiple channels: exterior cooling channels and internal cooling channels. The internal cooling channels are further divided into channels for cooling the end frame and channels for cooling components downstream of the end frame. This segmentation allows different regions to receive targeted cooling airflow, resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from two-dimensional exterior surface cooling to three-dimensional internal volume cooling. By introducing axial and radial airflow paths within the housing, the system cools internal components and the end frame from multiple spatial dimensions, achieving comprehensive cooling without excessive structural complexity.
2Temperature
If the fan rotates to provide cooling flow, then cooling airflow is generated, but the airflow does not reach the end frame and internal components sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The end frame serves as an intermediary cooling element. It is cooled directly by airflow through dedicated channels and simultaneously acts as a heat sink for components mounted on it. The end frame's thermal properties mediate heat transfer from internal components to the cooling airflow, improving overall cooling efficiency while maintaining reasonable fan power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles to create pressurized cooling airflow paths. The fan generates positive pressure airflow that is directed through controlled channels to specific cooling zones. By optimizing airflow pressure and distribution, the system achieves effective cooling of multiple components simultaneously without requiring excessive fan power, thus improving cooling efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced cooling of components within the housing by channeling airflow directly to the end frame and internal components, improving heat transfer and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fan at an end of the assembly, wherein the fan rotates with the shaft to provide a cooling flow
Implementation Method 2
the cooling flow typically is channeled only along the exterior of the assembly housing to provide the cooling airflow to components downstream of the end frame
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine assembly includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis and an end frame coupled about the shaft such that the shaft rotates relative to the end frame. The end frame includes an end surface and a plurality of pins that extend axially from the end surface. The electric machine assembly also includes a fan coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the fan to facilitate cooling the plurality of pins.